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Whatever it maybe you’re interested in, there’s a good chance Glasgow hosts a museum dedicated to it. From football and science to art, religion and architecture, Glasgow has a huge variety of museums. With the help of these museums, you’ll be able to trace not just the story of the city, but also find out how it’s shaped the world in ways that are often under-appreciated. This is our list of the best museums in Glasgow.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Of course, topping our list is the infamous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum that has set the benchmark for being a top-quality museum not only in Glasgow but around the world. Since its establishment in 1901, millions of people have flocked this museum to witness some of the most impressive arms and armour collections as well as the museum’s extensive natural history section. As you enter this deeply beloved Glasgownian monument, you’ll find Europe’s greatest displays of civic art to your right and a weird and wonderful collection of artefacts to your left. All of this makes Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions.
Where?
Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, United Kingdom
Star attraction
Dalí’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross
Opening hours
Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mon – Thu 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Transport
Kelvinhall subway station
Dumbarton bus stop
Nearby restaurants
Mac Tassos, Number 16, Ox and FIsh
Phone
+44 141 276 9599
Glasgow Police Museum
This might come as news to you, but Glasgow was home to the first-ever professional police force in Britain. With such reverence to law enforcement, the Glasgow Police Museum was established with the intention of preserving the 200-year history of the City of Glasgow Police. This little museum on Bell Street is run by volunteers – which includes many retired police officers, looking to educate future generations of the historic achievements of the Glasgow Police Force.
Where?
First Floor, 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG, United Kingdom
Star attraction
Its International Room has uniforms and insignia from every country in the world.
Opening hours
Mon – Sat 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun 12:00 PM – 4.30 PM
Transport
Argyle train station
Albion bus stop
Nearby restaurants
Turkiye, Obsession of India, Revolution
Phone
+44 141 552 1818
Scottish Football Museum
This great museum is nestled nicely inside Hampden Park – The Scottish national football stadium. With more than 2500 exhibits in 14 galleries, expect to spend a good 1-2 hours to take in everything Scottish football had and has to offer! The museum also offers a tour of the Hampden Park stadium where visitors get an opportunity to check out the underground roadway, team changing rooms and have the speed of their shot electronically measured in the player’s warm-up area. This museum will make you realise nation’s proud footballing heritage and renew a newfound respect for Scottish legends like Dalglish, Stein, Ferguson and Law.
Where?
Hampden Park, Glasgow G42 9BA, United Kingdom
Star attraction
The “Hall Of Fame” that features some of Scotland’s footballing legends
Opening hours
Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mon – Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Transport
Mount Florida train station
Hampden Park and Ride bus stop
Nearby restaurants
Sapori D’Italia – Meatballs Master, No. 10 Bar & Restaurant, The Alishan Tandoori
Phone
+44 141 616 6139
Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is Glasgow (and Scotland’s) oldest public museum. It covers the Hunterian Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery, the Mackintosh House, the Zoology Museum and the Anatomy Museum. It is tucked away inside the neo-Gothic University of Glasgow building, which makes it tricky to navigate to the museum. But don’t let that stop you from seeing extensive displays relating to William Hunter and his collections, Roman Scotland (especially the Antonine Wall), geology, ethnography, ancient Egypt, scientific instruments, coins and medals, and much more.
Where?
82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Star attraction
The Coffin of the Lady Shepenhor
Opening hours
Tues – Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transport
Hillhead subway station
University Library bus stop
Nearby restaurants
Stravaigin, The Left Bank, The Little Cafe
Phone
+44 141 330 4221
St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
The award-winning St Mungo Museum offers a haven of tranquillity in the chaos of a bustling city. Built in 1989, the museum was designed to be akin to the Bishops’ Castle, the site of which is occupied by the museum. At St. Mungo Museum visitors can cherish its galleries that are full of displays, artefacts and stunning works of art. The works give you an idea of religion in peoples’ lives across the world and across time. Another great feature of the museum is that it hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of events, from family-friendly activities to talks relating to religion in Scotland.
Where?
2 Castle St, Glasgow G4 0RH, United Kingdom
Star attraction
The first-ever Zen garden in Britain
Opening hours
Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue – Thu 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Transport
High Street train station
Cathedral Stand bus stop
Nearby restaurants
Romans Pizzeria & Bar, Cathedral House, The Howgait
Phone
+44 141 276 1625
